When I first told my sister that I was going to start using and selling Rodan + Fields skincare products, we were on our way to Chicago on the train. She looked at me like I was insane. “Amber, you’re going to be one of those direct sellers? Noooo. I know so many people who are selling wraps or oils or magic diet shakes or beach body classes or freezer meal courses or the worlds most natural makeup…yada yada yada….WHAT IS THIS WORLD?! And now you? Why? Whyyyy?”

I mean….. at least she was honest. Can’t fault a sister for that.

Look, I get it. I really do. It seems like there’s a lot of that going on right now….and understandably so, with the rise of social media and connectedness we have online.  But, we aren’t talking about a one size fits all wrap. Or a shake that you’ll have to drink for the rest of your life so that you can maintain the weight you’ve gotten to. It took me nearly eight months of research and thinking and conversations…and watching what was going on in the skincare industry plus watching other Rodan + Fields consultants before I finally took the leap of faith and joined the RF team.

All of their skin regimens are different. On purpose. Because no two people’s skin are alike, and skin shouldn’t be treated that way. The doctors behind this line already have a ton of credibility, they’re the same doctors that created Proactiv, the largest acne system in the world. (Raise your hand if you ever used Proactiv in your awkward teenage years…me!). Rodan + Fields is now doing for aging what they did for acne in the 90’s. And it’s pretty amazing.

Check this out:

• The doctors, Dr. Katie Rodan & Dr. Kathy Fields, made the top 10 list of women entrepreneurs for 2015. We’re talking a list that includes Beyonce, Tory Burch, Oprah Winfrey and Arianna Huffington. Woah.
• Rodan + Fields is the second largest premium skincare company in the US behind Clinique – which is obviously a world class brand that’s been around since the 60’s (and the brand that I used religiously prior to RF).
• Rodan + Fields is the fastest growing skincare company for the last five years with 106.5% growth last year alone. 106.5%. That’s not a typo.
• Rodan + Fields acne and anti-aging regimens were recently named the #1 products in their class.

In the news:

• Forbes
• USA Today
• Fox Business
• Refinery 29
• Buzzfeed
• Rodan & Fields 2015 business report results
• More press here.

I’ve done my homework here. You know how you always kind of watch those people who are doing the direct-sale thing, whether it’s Beachbody, Beauty Counter, LulaRoe, etc., to see how it’s really going and how they are really talking about things? Is it really them? Is it fake generated excitement? Is this a pyramid scheme scam? Are those things really as good as they say?

 I have a few friends who are involved some direct selling organizations and rocking it and I have no doubt that the products are great. I’m super happy for them. But when it comes to my skin, I’m not letting anything that isn’t legit come within a 10 mile radius of me.

Dramatic….mmm yea probably:), but guys I’ve had skin issues since I can remember. I’ve always been sort of insecure of my complexion. Those people who can walk around with no makeup on and look like a piece of makeup free, perfect skin heaven? Nope, not me. Those “makeup free pics for charity” pictures that were happening for a while? Not a chance that was happening. I’ve literally tried everything when it comes to acne, redness, etc… tons of different medications, birth control, even Accutane (which I don’t recommend for women), a super intense drug that is supposed to totally clear your system. What it doesn’t take into account is that I am woman. And I have hormones. (Nobody’s surprised here.) So, hello acne during that time of the month. So much for that magical cure. Now I’m almost 30 and starting to jump on that anti-aging skin train. Here’s my rant ….you guys, no one 30+ should have to worry about acne AND wrinkles. COME ON UNIVERSE – THIS IS NOT FAIR.

Adulting is hard enough. Your face is an extension of who you are, your first impression to people…and when you don’t have great skin, it affects your confidence and demeanor. It’s like if you got a really bad haircut or have a massive coffee spill on your pants on the frontal region that it always seems to spill on (ugh…my life) …except that your bad hair cut never grows out and the stain never gets washed out. It’s there all the time, and people are constantly looking at it. (It’s human nature guys, we just notice those things subconsciously!)

I’ve talked to several people, I’ve seen tons of before and after pictures (not just the one or two people who always seem to have perfect results) and the science is hard to ignore. That’s why I’m so pumped about this. I can’t wait to help normal people like me who have been on the same struggle bus as I have for years.

Having conversations with these people and seeing their before and afters and what Rodan + Fields did for them is honestly what made me turn the corner. Because nothing is worse than hearing how great products are from people who’ve A. never experienced the struggle and B. are celebrities who get  paid to do it.

In a nutshell, I’ll be representing their 4 skincare lines which address anti-aging, sun damage, sensitive skin, adult acne and a pretty amazing AMP MD micro-needling tool proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles (Sounds scary, but it’s not, I promise). Every woman wants long lashes and I know that lash extensions are all the rage…but RF actually just launched a new product, Lash Boost, that has had CRAZY results for women in 4-8 weeks. I’ve been using it for over a week and I can already tell my lashes are longer and darker. Much better than paying $75+ every 3 weeks for lash-fill ins. Ain’t nobody got time (or the cash) for that.

What I love about RF is that is backed by two incredible (and credible) Standford trained doctors who went to school for dermatology. They’re the doctors behind Proactiv, so they understand what successful skin products can do for people. Like I said, I had been using Clinique for about 4 years before starting my Rodan + Fields regimen. It was good enough. It helped maintain some level of “ok-ness” with my skin. More than any other product I’ve used previously. But since using R + F, I’ve already noticed a difference, an uptick in my complexion. And it’s because the R + F regimens I’m using are directly related to my skin issues. Not just if I have oily skin or combination skin. It’s the acne, the sun damage, aging, the skin dullness, etc.

If you’re using something that your skin loves… keep using it! That’s a blessing, trust me. If you’re interested in trying something new, let me know. I’ve got samples galore. And if you’re interested in what a business opportunity with R + F looks like, I’m here too. Any business that’s experiencing year over year growth of 106.5% is on to something. Do some research. I’m pretty pumped about the potential here in 2-4 years.

And to my endearing sister, thanks for always looking out for me.;) Let me know if you want to try anything….you know where to find me :).

Heads up: I’ll be having a little shindig at my house January 17 so I can A. Catch up with all you people who I haven’t seen since before the crazy holidays and B. let you check out and try some of the Rodan + Fields products yourself. (Invite coming soon – let me know if your interested!)

Cheers, friends. Here’s to a new year, renewed skin and fun little side gig.